Good, public education should be a priority

Dear parents and students: This is a middle-income taxpayer addressing you on public school choice. By now you're aware of the federal deficit, and Gov. Scott Walker's school voucher program. Though one is federal and the other is state, the expenses all come to the same place for payment - our pockets.

I believe one thing that should be guaranteed by the government is a good public education for its citizens. If you make a private education a family priority, feel free to do so. I couldn't afford it for my children, and I am very grateful for the public education that allowed my daughter excellent programming for the gifted and talented, while expertly meeting the special education needs of my son. As parents we were also involved, giving each child the tools and encouragement at home to complement what the school provided.

Religious education, also being a high priority, we attended church weekly, involved ourselves in Sunday school, vacation bible school and confirmation.

We were allotted the same 24 hours in a day as you. We were a two-income family of modest means with a desire for the best for our children. They are our highest responsibility.